This study was elaborated with the objective of evaluating the chemical alterations in soil and the growth of maize in Red Yellow distrophic soil, in two successive crops, after tannery sludge application. Under greenhouse conditions, the effects were studied of two doses of sludge (2.5 e 5.0 Mg ha-1) "in natura" and associated to phosphate rock, on the growth and nutrition of maize and soil fertility. Significant effects were observed for the sludge dose "in natura" compared with NPK treatment and control. The addition of sludge in the soil increased the indicators of soil fertility. These treatments showed maximum values of soluble phosphorus in the soil. The tannery sludge failed to supply the amount of K for the development of the plants in the second crop. It was observed that the tannery sludge "in natura" increased the concentration of N and P in the plant, resulting in good development of maize in the first crop. The composted tannery sludge presented a high concentration of N in the second crop. This confirmed stabilization of nitrogen in the composting. The association of residue with rock phosphate increased the corn development with increase of available P in the soil.
industrial residue; composting; recycling; plant nutrition
